12 May Back Injuries – Get Your Workers Back in Control

Back Injuries – Get Your Workers Back in Control

Back strains and sprains are common workplace injuries, but many can be prevented. Heavy or awkward lifting, repetitive handling, overreaching, twisting, and poor body positioning can place unnecessary stress on the back and lead to painful injuries and lost work time.

The back is a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, discs, joints, and bones. It is designed to support the body and allow movement, but it can be injured when excessive force or awkward positioning places too much stress on these structures.

Plan the Lift

Before lifting an object, take a moment to evaluate the task:

• Determine whether the load is too heavy or awkward to handle alone.
• Make sure the path and destination are clear.
• Use a cart, dolly, hoist, lift table, or other mechanical aid whenever practical.
• Get help from another worker when necessary.
• Avoid lifting loads that block your vision or cannot be controlled safely.

There is no benefit to struggling with a load that can be moved more safely another way.

Lift Safely

When manual lifting is necessary:

• Get close to the load before lifting.
• Establish firm, balanced footing.
• Bend at the knees and hips rather than bending primarily at the waist.
• Get a secure grip before beginning the lift.
• Keep the load close to your body.
• Lift smoothly and avoid sudden or jerking movements.
• Keep your back in a comfortable, neutral position.
• Avoid twisting while lifting or carrying.
• Turn by moving your feet rather than twisting your back.
• Lower the load carefully using controlled movements.

Never attempt to catch a heavy object that begins to fall or shift unexpectedly. Move clear when possible and protect yourself from the falling load.

Avoid Overexertion

Proper technique does not make every load safe to lift manually. The safest lift may be the one you do not make. Mechanical equipment and team lifting should be used when the weight, size, shape, or location of a load makes manual handling unsafe.

Repeated lifting can also cause fatigue even when individual loads are relatively light. Rotate tasks, adjust work methods, and take appropriate recovery periods when repetitive material handling is required.

Practice Safe Lifting

Employees should receive instruction on safe material-handling techniques and have opportunities to practice them. Supervisors should encourage employees to stop and reassess a lift whenever the task feels uncomfortable, unstable, or beyond their capabilities.

Remember

Back injuries can happen suddenly or develop gradually. Plan before lifting, keep the load close, avoid bending and twisting, use mechanical assistance, and ask for help with heavy or awkward loads.